IPOH: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has ordered the police to ban the Jerusalem Jubilee gathering scheduled to be held in Melaka from June 15 to 18.

Dr Ahmad Zahid – who is also the Home Minister –  pointed out that the rally would only hurt the Muslims if it was allowed to be held.

“When the sentiments of Muslims are affected and their feelings offended, I as Home Minister order the police to ban the meeting. This is a message that is loud and clear. Whoever is organising the Jerusalem Jubilee, your permit has been cancelled under my official directive,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said this in his speech at the Perak state level ”Instilling of Moral Values during the Month of Ramadan” programme here on Monday.

At the event, the deputy prime minister partook in the iftar meal together with those attending the Maghrib prayers at Masjid Annur Batu 8, Ulu Kinta.

He also presented donations to 100 orphans.

It was reported earlier that the organisers of the Jubilee called off the gathering on Monday following the advice of the police, with Melaka police chief Datuk Abd Jalil Hassan saying the decision was made after a discussion with police.

The Calvary Life Assembly (Chinese) had proposed to hold the gathering in Cheng, reportedly to celebrate the Jewish recapture of Jerusalem in 1967.

Abd Jalil said the police had called the organisers for a discussion and they decided after that to call off the gathering.

“The police gave their advice to the organisers and they decided to cancel the programme,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Abd Jalil said the police had received 32 reports from around the state against the gathering.

 

From The Star Online